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The sale offer does not currently include any details of an asking price.

Oliver Salisbury, senior surveyor at estate agents Cushman & Wakefield, which is handling the sale, said: "Thwaite Hall presents a rare and exciting opportunity to revitalise a high-profile building within a popular village location.

Offers are now being invited for Thwaite Hall in Cottingham

"Discussions with the local authority have been positive and indicate that a number of uses are considered appropriate, subject to a high quality design which takes into account the conservation area setting and adjoining grade II listed botanical gardens."

Stephen Dale, the university’s director of estates, said: "Although the university no longer has a use for the building, we are keen to see a long term plan for its future be put in place and have been working closely with the local authority planning department to discuss the potential future use of the site.

The large fishing lake in the grounds of Thwaite Hall

"Accommodation is a deciding factor for many when choosing where to study and the university has experienced a shift in demand toward high-quality, on-campus accommodation.

"We have been investing in our accommodation portfolio as part of our on-going commitment to provide an outstanding experience for students, which includes The Courtyard and Westfield Court on our Cottingham Road campus."

Thwaite Hall was originally built between 1803 and 1807 for a wealthy merchant called John Hentig.

This aerial view shows the size of the grounds around Thwaite Hall

The estate changed hands in 1872 and the main house was later enlarged together with new servants' quarters and a fishing lake when it was owned by shipping tycoon Charles Wilson.

It was bought by the the University College of Hull in 1928 and was subsequently used for student accommodation apart from during the Second World War when the site was occupied by the Army.

Part of Thwaite Hall's extensive grounds

The sale of the site's freehold marks the latest in a series of property disposals by the university involving former student accommodation in Cottingham by the university in recent years.

The nearby former Cleminson Hall in Thwaite Street has been re-developed as part of a new housing development while an Aldi supermarket has recently opened on part of the former part of the former Needler Hall site.

A large detached house in Hull Road which was previously traditionally used as a residence for the university's vice-chancellor was also sold off last year.